Resolution urges action on immigration

Amid a legislative session in which criticism of the federal government's inaction on immigration reform, one GOP lawmaker is pushing a resolution that calls on Congress to act.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, is sponsoring SCR5, which is looking at ways the state can deal with illegal immigration. The resolution that would urge Congress to develop "a balanced national immigration policy" that takes into account the public safety of Utah's citizens as well as the economic needs and that alleviates illegal immigration.

The resolution also resolves that the governor and legislature work to "ensure that any efforts to effect immigration laws or laws related to Utah's workforce that impact immigration be deferred until Congress passes immigration reform pursuant to the principles stated in this resolution."

Such bills are already working their way through the legislative process. The House has approved HB98, which would require public employers use the federal Internet-based E-Verify program to check the work eligibility of new hires. That bill is pending in the Senate.